October Newsletter - Latest News

October 13 is Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day.

Secondary (metastatic) breast cancer is cancer that has started in the breast and spread to other parts of the body. Secondary breast cancer can be treated but it cannot be cured. Treatments aim to control and slow the spread of the cancer for as long as possible, whilst giving the patient the highest quality of life.

We'd like to introduce you to Elaine

Elaine was diagnosed with Metastatic Breast Cancer in July 2019 and has been accessing support from ACS.

"I always knew Ayrshire Cancer Support was a great local charity but I had no idea the extent of the help and support they offered until I had to ask for their help. I was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer in July 2019 and a friend suggested I give ACS a visit. Within no time I felt as though myself and my family were taken under their wing. I utilised their services including weekly transport to the Beatson, I attended counselling, I went for complementary therapies, I attended weekly support groups and often just dropped in for a coffee and a chat. I got to know all the staff and volunteers so well, they all seem to care so much and you never feel like just another patient. All of this was amazing and I wouldn't have been able to get through a very difficult time without it but what I couldn't believe, was the support the rest of my family also received from my husband, to my children and also my mum, who were also able to access all the same facilities as I had, it helped me to know they were being looked after too. I have been on clinical trials and I am responding well to treatment but I also put down my good progress and mental health wellbeing to the help I received from ACS.

This is an extract from four years ago and as my cancer is ongoing, I am again utilising the wonderful services of ACS, who are every bit as good,  if not better with the help they have given me and my family once more. I cannot express my gratitude for the amazing support that I never knew existed until I needed it."

For more information on the common signs and symptoms of metastatic breast cancer please visit Make 2nds Count website here.

We’re here for you 🧡

October 18 is World Menopause Day

Some cancer treatments can affect your hormone levels and cause menopausal symptoms or early menopause. These include: chemotherapy, surgery to remove the ovaries, radiotherapy to the pelvis, or hormone therapy drugs. Associated symptoms may be temporary or permanent, depending on your age and the type of treatment. If you have any questions, contact your GP, Clinical Nurse Specialist or local NHS menopause clinic.

In partnership with our NHS colleagues and the Beatson, we will commence a new 6-week Menopause and Cancer Course on 30 October for people with a breast cancer diagnosis who are experiencing menopausal symptoms.

We still have some spaces available - if you would like more information, or to secure your place, please contact us on 01563 538008

Pre-Loved Donation Hub

We are delighted to announce that our brand new Donation Hub will be open on Thursday 3rd of October!

This new hub will be located at Ayr Racecourse and will allow us to accept donations for our ACS Preloved Shop.

Do you have items that you no longer use? Why not pop along to our Donation Hub between 12pm-7pm on Thursday 3rd of October and donate these items to our ACS Preloved Shop. We are currently seeking clothing, accessories, autumn/winter wear and home wear.

These donations allow us to continue to provide our essential, free services to children, young people and adults affected by cancer across Ayrshire. We look forward to meeting you all!

Writing your Will - Free Information Session

Thursday 24th October, 2pm - 4.30pm

Ayrshire Cancer Support, 5 Dundonald Road, Kilmarnock, KA1 1EQ

We are delighted to be hosting this event in partnership with Anderson Strathern. Siobhan McGuigan, a Partner who specialises in Wills, executory work and Powers of Attornery, will provide the expert advice and information that you need as you prepare to write your Will.

The session will cover the key considerations you should take account of, and attendees will have the opportunity to discuss their personal circumstances and get individual advice from the legal experts.

To book your place, or find out more, contact Susan Morris, Stakeholder Engagement Manager on 01563 538008 or email morriss@ayrshirecs.org

Ayr Centre Progress

We are delighted to see the progress being made on our Ayr Centre. The team at Ashleigh (Scotland) Ltd are now focused on rebuilding the rooms inside the exisiting building whilst still developing our fantastic new extension, including a new roof!

As always, we would like to thank all who have supported, and continue to fundraise for this build. It will be a fantastic space to provide the very best support to those affected by cancer across Ayrshire.

Keep your eyes peeled for further updates!

As well as the generous support from our local communities and business, we rely on funding from grant making organisations to meet our income targets each year.

Since 2021, alongside raising the income required to deliver all of our services, we have been working to hit our particularly ambitious capital build target so that we can deliver our new support centre in Ayr.

In January 2024, the Kilgallioch Wind Farm Community Fund pledged £25,000 . We are very grateful to the Fund for their support and for helping us to get so close to hitting our target.

While the development work at the new centre is well underway, our fundraising efforts continue. If you would like to find out more about how you can support us to deliver our new centre, including adding a name to our "Hope and Memories" window visit www.home4cancer.org, or contact us to find out more.

We are absolutely delighted to be nominated as one of the finalists for this year's Charity of the Year award and we are looking forward to the Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce Awards Dinner on Friday 4th October.

Good luck to all our fellow nominees! 🏆